Tooth Filling Cambridge

Living with a damaged or decayed tooth doesn't have to be your normal. At Riverside Dental Care, we make getting a tooth filling in Cambridge a straightforward, comfortable experience, often completed in a single visit. Whether a routine check-up has flagged a cavity or you've noticed something doesn't feel quite right, our friendly team is here to restore your tooth and help you smile with confidence again.

What Are Tooth Fillings? 

Tooth fillings are one of the most common and effective restorative dental treatments available. When a tooth develops a cavity, a small area of decay caused by bacteria, sugar, or acid erosion, it creates a hole that, if left untreated, can grow deeper, damage the inner pulp of the tooth, and eventually cause significant pain or infection.

A filling works by removing the damaged or decayed tooth structure and replacing it with a durable, safe material that restores the tooth's original shape, strength, and function.

At Riverside Dental Care, we offer tooth fillings in Cambridge, using tried-and-tested techniques and high-quality materials. Whether you have a small cavity that was detected during a routine check-up or a tooth that's been giving you trouble for a while, our friendly team can help you get back to feeling comfortable, usually in a single appointment. 

When to Get a Tooth Filling 

Not all cavities announce themselves loudly. Some cause no discomfort at all in their early stages, which is why regular dental check-ups are so valuable. That said, there are several common signs that may indicate a filling is needed. If you're experiencing any of the following, it's a good idea to get in touch with our team sooner rather than later.

• Toothache or Pain: A dull or sharp ache, especially when biting down, can be an early warning sign of a cavity.
• Sensitivity to Temperature: Pain or a sharp zing when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods may indicate exposed dentin or early-to-moderate decay. 
• Visible Holes or Pits: If you can see or feel a noticeable pit, crack, or hole in a tooth, decay is likely already present.
• Dark Spots or Staining: Brown, black, or grey discolouration on the surface of a tooth can indicate enamel breakdown or early decay.

Types of Fillings 

Not all dental fillings are the same, and the right choice for you will depend on the size and location of the cavity, your aesthetic preferences, and your budget. 

Composite (Tooth-Coloured) Fillings

• Matched to your natural tooth shade for a discreet result
• Bonds directly to the tooth, preserving a healthier structure
• Ideal for front teeth and visible areas of the mouth
• Mercury-free and aesthetically pleasing
• Hardens quickly using a special curing light

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

• Silver-grey appearance, more noticeable when visible
• Exceptionally durable, long track record over decades
• Often more cost-effective than composite options
• Good option for large cavities in the back teeth
• Requires slightly more tooth removal to place

For most patients needing amalgam or composite dental fillings at our Cambridge practice, the best option simply comes down to your individual circumstances. Our dentists are happy to walk you through the pros and cons of each option at your appointment, taking into account your individual dental needs and goals.

The Filling Procedure 

We understand that a trip to the dentist can feel nerve-wracking, especially if you're having a filling for the first time. The good news is that cavity treatment at our Cambridge dentist is a comfortable, routine procedure that the vast majority of our patients find far simpler than they anticipated. Here's what the process looks like, step by step:

1. Local Anaesthetic: Before anything else, we'll apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area completely. You should feel no pain during the procedure, just a little pressure at most.
2. Removal of Decay: We carefully remove all decayed tooth material, aiming to preserve as much of your healthy tooth structure as possible at this stage.
3. Cleaning and Preparation: The cavity is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria. 
4. Placing the Filling: The filling material is carefully placed, shaped, and moulded to match the natural contours of your tooth. For composite fillings, a special curing light is used to harden the material quickly and reliably.
5. Polish and Final Check: We'll polish the filling and check your bite to make sure everything feels comfortable and natural. Most appointments are completed in under an hour, and you can go about the rest of your day straight afterwards.

Post-Filling Aftercare 

A well-placed filling can last many years with the right care. Once your appointment is done, there are a few simple things to keep in mind to help your filling stay in great shape and your tooth remain healthy in the long term.

• Give It a Little Time: It's normal to experience some mild sensitivity for a few days after your filling, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. This usually settles on its own. If sensitivity persists beyond two weeks, give us a call.
• Brush and Floss Regularly: Good daily oral hygiene is the single most important factor in preventing future cavities. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once daily, including around the filled tooth.
• Avoid Very Hard Foods Initially: For the first 24 hours after a filling, it's best to avoid chewing very hard or crunchy foods on that side. Composite fillings harden almost instantly, but giving things a little rest never hurts.